J. Lester Parsons III ’61

Friend and inspiration to many, Jay died March 21, 2013, from the effects of colon cancer. He was the son of J. Lester Parsons Jr. ’30.

At the time of his death, Jay was living with his wife, Nancy, in Vero Beach, Fla. They also had homes on Fishers Island, N.Y., and in Far Hills, N.J.

Jay was a very generous person, volunteering his time and money in support of Princeton, the Visiting Nurses Association, and Bernardsville Public Library. He also served as mayor of Bernardsville. Jay was treasurer of our 50th, vice president, class agent, and a P-rade marshal. He roomed with Dave Forney and was a member of Charter Club, the Flying Club, and ROTC.

After Harvard Law School, Jay practiced with Skadden, Arps, then Burke & Parsons, before opening his own practice. A noted cook and entertainer with a prickly dry wit and sense of humor, Jay will long be remembered by his friends and classmates.

Jay’s survivors include Nancy; his sister, Lucille; stepsister Margot; children Emily, Josh, Sahler, and Chas; stepchildren Tanis and Rob; and nine grandchildren. His first wife of 44 years, Stella, died in 2007. Two Ridgway cousins, Bill ’57 and Charlie ’63, and their mother, Emily Ridgway s’29, also survive him.